Napkin vs. Serviette — What’s the Difference? (2024)

Table of Contents

U.S.

UK/Commonwealth

Often cloth

Often paper

More formal

More casual

From French "nappe" meaning cloth

From French, meaning a little towel

Common in textile discussions

Less likely in textile discussions

Napkin

An absorbent material used for cleaning or wiping.

He used a napkin to wipe the spilled milk.

Serviette

A disposable item for cleanliness during meals.

Each guest took a serviette from the stack.

Napkin

A protective layer placed on a lap while eating.

She spread a napkin over her lap to protect her dress.

Serviette

A term used mainly in the UK and Commonwealth countries for a table napkin.

In the UK, serviettes are often provided in fast-food restaurants.

Napkin

A decorative item on a dining table.

The napkin was folded into an intricate swan shape.

Serviette

A piece of paper used for wiping the mouth or hands.

He grabbed a serviette to wipe his greasy fingers.

Napkin

A napkin, serviette or face towelette is a square of cloth or paper tissue used at the table for wiping the mouth and fingers while eating. It is usually small and folded, sometimes in intricate designs and shapes.

Serviette

A less formal alternative to a cloth napkin.

She opted for serviettes at the picnic for easy cleanup.

Napkin

A piece of cloth or absorbent paper used at table to protect the clothes or wipe the lips and fingers.

Serviette

A paper square used primarily in casual dining.

Can you pass me a serviette, please?

Napkin

A cloth or towel.

Serviette

A table napkin.

Napkin

A sanitary napkin.

Serviette

A table napkin.

Napkin

Chiefly British A diaper.

Serviette

A table napkin, now especially a paper one.

Napkin

A serviette; a (usually rectangular) piece of cloth or paper used at the table for wiping the mouth and hands for cleanliness while eating.

Serviette

(obsolete) a lazy Susan

Napkin

A nappy (UK), a diaper (American).

Serviette

A table napkin.

Napkin

A small scarf worn on the head by Christian women (chiefly Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox) when entering a church, as a token of modesty.

Serviette

To protect clothing; wipe mouth

Napkin

A little towel, made of cloth or paper, esp. one for wiping the fingers and mouth at table.

Napkin

A handkerchief.

Napkin

To protect clothing; wipe mouth

Napkin

Garment consisting of a folded cloth drawn up between the legs and fastened at the waist; worn by infants to catch excrement

Napkin

A piece of cloth used for wiping the mouth or hands.

She folded the napkin neatly on her lap before dinner.

Napkin

A square or rectangular piece of fabric used in dining.

Please place a napkin next to each plate.

Is a napkin more formal than a serviette?

Generally, "napkin" is considered more formal and is often made of cloth.

What is a serviette?

A serviette is similar to a napkin, but the term is mainly used in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.

Are napkins and serviettes the same?

Essentially yes, but the primary difference is regional usage.

Can a napkin be made of paper?

Yes, napkins can be made of paper, especially in more casual settings.

When should I use the word 'napkin'?

Use "napkin" in the U.S. and in more formal settings.

Is 'serviette' a British term?

Yes, it is mainly used in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.

Can I use 'napkin' and 'serviette' interchangeably?

Generally, yes, but be mindful of regional preferences and formalities.

What is a napkin?

A napkin is a piece of cloth or paper used for wiping the mouth or hands while eating.

When should I use the word 'serviette'?

Use "serviette" in the UK or in casual dining contexts.

Is a serviette always made of paper?

Not always, but serviettes are commonly made of paper.

Is 'napkin' an American term?

The term is commonly used in America but is not exclusive to it.

What is the origin of the word 'napkin'?

"Napkin" comes from the French word "nappe," meaning cloth.

Can a serviette be used in a formal setting?

While less common, serviettes can be used in formal settings if they are made of higher-quality material.

Do both napkin and serviette have different shapes and sizes?

Both can come in various shapes and sizes, depending on the setting and use.

What is the origin of the word 'serviette'?

"Serviette" also has French origins and originally meant a little towel.

Share via Social Media

Embed This Content

Embed Code

Share Directly via Messenger

Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.